Required Textbook

REQUIRED TEXTS:  College Physics 2e.  Paul Peter Urone, Roger Hinrichs, et al.  OpenStax 7/13/2022.

Go to https://openstax.org/details/books/college-physics-2e click on "View On-line", “Download a pdf”, or "Order a Print Copy", depending on your preference.
I strongly recommend downloading a pdf version even if you plan on using the on-line version of the textbook.  The pdf version is accessible to you even when your internet is down!

All version are OK for reading, but question numbers are not consistent across platforms.  I have therefore made copies of the assigned homework problems.  Each homework assignment contains a pdf document with the assigned problems.  For the most part, these correspond to the problems as listed in the on-line version of the textbook. 

Need more practice to gain confidence?  You are welcome to do any additional problems.  Let me know the chapter and problem numbers and I will be happy to share the answers with you so you may check your work.

Electronic versions are available free of charge, print copies can be ordered for $44 - $55. 
To purchase a print copy, click on the "Order a Print Copy" Option from the OpenStax website.  This will bring you to the CORRECT book in Amazon.com.  I will be using the same textbook for physics 112.

A print copy of the previous edition (OpenStax College Physics 1e, Urone & Heinrich) should be accessible in the MiraCosta library reference section.

May I use the older version of the textbook?  Yes.  But please get your homework problems from the file I include in your HW assignment.

PLEASE Contact me IMMEDIATELY if you are having trouble accessing the textbook or downloading the current pdf version.

J RECOMMENDED SUPPORT MATERIAL may be downloaded from OpenStax by clicking on the “Student Resources” tab or scrolling down the page to Student Resources
link: https://openstax.org/details/books/college-physics-2e?Student%20resources

• Veritas Tutors and How to Succeed In Physics Guide – Excellent, FREE, tutorial to prepare you to succeed in the study of physics, focuses on foundational concepts and math skills needed for this course.
  (citation: Veritas Tutors, "Survival Guide for College Physics." OpenStax 15 Aug. 2012 http://openstaxcollege.org/textbooks/collegephysics )

• Student Solution Guide – downloadable pdf of Student Solutions Manual is selected problems from the text worked out, acting as additional source of example problems, and may include problems assigned as homework. (Note: I will expect your solutions to differ in style to those included in the manual.)

Tutoring & Homework Help

Tutoring Center & Homework Help:  Free LIVE tutoring at the STEM Center on-line and in-person.

The MiraCosta STEM Learning Center - Oceanside Campus OC1000 - provides free tutoring (both drop-in and scheduled appointments) for students in Biology, Biotechnology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Physics, and most courses in Astronomy, Oceanography, Earth Science, Geology, Horticulture, and Physical Science

STEM/MLC (STEM center & math learning center)

• • Live drop-in tutoring (both in-person on the Oceanside Campus, and online through Zoom)

  • Tutoring appointments – up to 4 scheduled appointments per course, but no limit on drop-in (unscheduled) appointments.

  • On campus and virtual study rooms – students can request a room for a group, and they are one click away from getting a tutor to join them!

  • TEAS Preparation Sessions for pre-Nursing students (free!)

  • Group study and Exam Prep sessions

• See website for hours

Tips for Success & SLOs

Tips for Success:

• Do the homework.

Attempt every problem.  Draw a picture.  Physics is a very VISUAL science.  Underline the given quantities.  Assign a variable name (letter) to each given quantity and also to the quantity you are asked to find.  INCLUDE UNITS.  What else do you know, from the situation (ex: “at rest” means velocity = 0)?

• Wonder.

Put yourself back to when you were 3 years old and discovered everything you knew by watching, observing, experimenting.  Set aside what you think you know, forget what you’ve been told (it’s probably wrong anyway) and really take a good look at how things move, how they behave.  Ask yourself, why might this be so?

• Form a Study Group.

The most effective way to learn physics is to discuss problems with another student, or in a group of three or four students. If you’re stuck on a problem, someone else in the group may come up with the “missing piece” that lets you solve the problem. If you already know how to do a problem, explaining it to other students helps to solidify your understanding. Talking through the problems with other students will give you to a much better understanding of physics concepts.

• Ask Questions.

If you have a question, it’s almost guaranteed that at least 3 other people in the room also have that same question. If I attempt to answer and you are still confused, please KEEP ASKING.

Learning Outcomes: 

Upon completing this course, student can expect to be able to:

Course Student Learning Outcomes mapped to MCC Core Competencies

Course Student Learning Outcomes (CSLOs) These will be assessed in the final exam.	MCC Core Competencies are broad general education outcomes that demonstrate real-world skills.
#1: Determine and interpret the electric field and electric potential created by a simple charge distribution.	Inquiry, Analysis and Independent Thinking; Quantitative Literacy; Problem Solving; Integration of Knowledge
#2: Apply basic optical principles to predict and describe images produced by thin lenses.	Inquiry, Analysis and Independent Thinking; Quantitative Literacy; Problem Solving; Integration of Knowledge
#3: Describe and calculate absorption and emission lines in an atom’s spectrum based on its energy levels.	Inquiry, Analysis and Independent Thinking; Quantitative Literacy; Problem Solving; Integration of Knowledge

• • See me for help if any of these learning objectives seem elusive.

Positive Learning Environment

Positive Learning Environment: 

I welcome student requests and suggestions to improve the learning environment for this course.  Together we form a learning community.  Please submit all suggestions to me via email (Lhaavig@miracosta.edu) even if you made the suggestion verbally.  All suggestions are respected and appreciated and may result in a positive change.

Academic Accommodations:

Please contact me as soon as possible to request my assistance utilizing any authorized accommodations.  If you have a specialized learning need, disability, or medical condition impacting learning and have not yet been authorized to receive academic accommodations, you are strongly encouraged to contact the friendly and helpful people at Student Accessibility Services (SAS) office at (760) 795-6658, or sas@miracosta.edu, or SAS Appointment and Info Request.

Class Conduct:

Positive actions that benefit the learning of other students are encouraged, and frequently awarding extra credit (EC) points.  EC is awarded in the category affected by the action.  Positive contributions include, but are not limited to, asking questions, responding to questions from the instructor, assisting other students in class, reporting errors, arriving consistently on-time, taking on leadership roles.  Students may lose points for distracted or distracting behavior or any behavior that negatively impacts the learning environment, such as disrespecting others or chronically arriving late in such a way that it disrupts the learning of others.

Equations Reference Sheet: 

Students are expected to use an equations sheet on all quizzes, tests, and the final exam.  You may write anything useful on this sheet, with the limitation of NO worked problems on the sheet.  Ordinarily one piece of 8½ x11 inch paper (both sides) may be used as the equations sheet (3 pieces of 8½ x11 inch paper for the final exam).  Equations Reference sheets will be examined at the start of each Unit Test and the Final Exam.  Students using the testing center or SAS testing facility must submit their reference sheets to the instructor no less than 5 business days prior to their scheduled test date.  Students will NOT be permitted to hand carry their reference sheet into the testing center or SAS (nee DSPS).

Calculators: 

Calculator Apps on phones or personal computers are clumsy and will slow you down and are NOT permitted to be used during Unit Tests and Final Exams. You need an ordinary $11 scientific calculator to use for class.  A good scientific calculator phone App is only permitted for use on labs, HW Quizzes, and in-class practice.  Loaner calculators (Casio fx-300ES+ and TI-30Xa) are available in class.

Absences:

• • Students who are unavoidably absent should email me (Lhaavig@miracosta.edu) prior to or as close to the absence as possible and arrange to make up the missed Lectures, In-Class assignments, or Lab.

  • Students who miss ANY of the first four class meetings without contacting me by email will be dropped from the class.

  • Students who miss three consecutive class days or four non-consecutive classes may be overextended and in danger of not passing and should have a conversation with me about your options, especially if you are considering withdrawing.

  • See information under Late & Makeup Work heading for making up Homework, Labs, Quizzes & Unit Tests. Documentation validating the absence excuse will likely be required for making up a Unit Test.

Academic Integrity = Producing an honest representation of one’s own work.

The posting of material or images of any portion of a HW Quiz, Unit Test, or Final Exam is a gross violation of the Academic Integrity Policy (ie cheating) for MiraCosta college.  When you are traced to such a posting, the behavior will be addressed according to the Board of Trustees Policy 5505 on Academic Integrity, and can result in disciplinary action to remove, retroactively, any perceived benefit derived from the violation.

Plagiarism: 

Students turning in work copied from other students, solutions manual, or any other source not their own work, will receive a 0 on that assignment.  Students who turn in individual work identical to each other will share one grade (i.e. 3 students turning in identical homework will each receive 1/3 of the points possible).  Any work that is not your own is considered to be cheating and subject to disciplinary action.  If you get an answer from another source, CITE THE SOURCE.  (Sources are not permitted on Unit Tests or on Final Exam.)  Practice paraphrasing from multiple sources with the Concept Questions (CQs) so that your answers sound like they come from you.

If, after a HW Quiz or Unit Test, you want to know the solution to any question, please just ask me.  I will be happy to review these questions with you! (That’s part of the learning process.)

Time & Workload (under construction)

Time Commitment, Active Participation, & Work Completion

• HW = Homework
• CQ = Concept Questions
• PE = Problems & Exercises
• WS = Worksheet
• WB = whiteboard
• FBD (or fbd) = Free-Body force Diagram (commonly called “free-body diagram”)
• E-field = electric field
• B-field = magnetic field

Students are required to complete work during assigned class time and outside of assigned class time.

Outside of Assigned Class Time: approximately 6 hours per week for the average student.

Reading: Chapters in Openstax College Physics are assigned by the inclusion of a Reading Guide in the Weekly Module.  No work is submitted for the reading.  I DO provide reading guides, which can be found in the weekly Modules.

Read each chapter heading, carefully examine each diagram and read the captions for the diagrams so that you understand the concepts represented.  Read material around the diagram if you need more information.  Read the equations and the text above the equations so that you know what each equation represents and how to use it.  Work through the example problems.  Introductions are usually short and good to read if you have never studied the topic before.   They give an overview of why this part of physics is important.  Anything in a box is probably important for you to read.

Homework Problems and Exercises and Worksheets, (HW PE):

Mostly consist of problems and exercises (PE) assigned from the textbook. However, there are a couple of areas where our textbook is inadequate, and for these I have created worksheets (WS) of problems and exercises for you to complete.  BE Warned, HW assignments may consist of BOTH some PE and a WS.  You need to submit both for full credit!  
PE HW is due in Canvas before 6:00 pm Thursdays.  Late submissions will be accepted, marked down 10% per class day late, unless otherwise arranged with instructor.

Study Guides & Unit Reviews:  Study Guides prior to each Unit Test include 30 to 36 practice questions and count as HW PE (15 points instead of the typical 10), but will also be used for the Unit Challenge Review.  Unit Challenge Reviews alter the typical Thursday schedule.  On Unit Review days, there is no HW Quiz.  After a shortened Lecture and In-Class Practice period, followed by a10 minute CQ discussion, we do a Challenge Review in which students write their solutions to problems on whiteboards around the room and then FIND and correct each other's errors!  (Lots of opportunity for EC here)  Students are also asked to present their solution, based on their class-mate's requests.

Concept Question (CQ) Discussions in Canvas:  While we start this exercise in class, the second part is done outside of class.

You are required to provide a substantial reply to one of your classmates’ answers or examples, which either corrects or expands upon their response to the question.  This is in addition to the answer you gave to ONE of the questions you discussed during class time.  Your reply question should be different than the question you answered, unless you are responding to a reply from a classmate.

I will add my comments to each CQ weekly.  Each student is then responsible for READING all of the CQ discussions.  Questions based on CQs may be included in the weekly HW Quizes, on Unit Tests, and on the Final Exam.

Students who are absent from class, and thus unable to participate in the initial group discussion, are still responsible for posting an answer and a reply to the CQs in Canvas.

Because these are active group discussions in Canvas, there is no opportunity for late submission.

 

DURING ASSIGNED CLASS TIME:  TUE 6:00 – 8:45 pm & THU 6:00 – 8:45 pm

Experimental Labs – in class with group Tuesdays 6:00 – 8:45 pm. (Each lab group takes a 15 min break between 7 pm and 7:30 pm)

Active participation must be demonstrated by each student through ALL of the following:  

1. 1. VERBAL participation within group.  As I pass through the classroom, I need to hear YOU talking, and/or seeing you actively listening to the other students on your team.
   2. Typing within the lab document.  The lab documents are Google docs.  This ensures that each student has access, the labs can’t be lost, and that they are available for grading.

At least every 10 to 20 minutes during the lab session, each student must type something so that a synchronous presence is recorded in the Version History of the Google doc (see image of version history below).  To assist with this, I have lines requiring student initials.  DO NOT initial for each other!  And be sure to enter your initials as the group progresses through the lab.          

AND 3) retaining knowledge of all portions of the lab as questions referring to the labs are often included on unit tests.  ‘Divide and conquer’ may get you out of lab early, but it fails to prepare you to answer questions and fails in the goal of DISCUSSION with colleagues which is part of the learning process.

Lab Manual.  The Physics 112 Lab Manual is a FOLDER under the 'Files' page in Canvas containing copies of all twelve lab documents.

Students are encouraged to scan through each lab to familiarize themselves with the day’s activity prior to arriving for class on Tuesdays.

There are 12 labs.  No lab grades are dropped, but students will be able to rewrite up to two graded labs.  Lab rewrites are typically done individually, not with your lab group.  (I don’t stop students from doing a lab re-write together, it’s just very difficult for individual students to coordinate outside of scheduled class time.)  AND, because it is unusual for me to receive a group re-write, PLEASE make sure to alert me if you do group Lab Re-write! Make SURE I give you credit!

In the Lab Re-Writes Assignment in Canvas, I provide links to Read-only versions of the labs.  Make a Copy.  SHARE that copy with Lhaavig@miracosta.edu.  THEN upload a LINK to each of your two re-write google docs in the Lab Re-writes assignment.

Practice Sessions ‒ in Class, approx. 40 minutes Thursdays, with multiple problems at different points interspersed within my lectures.

 Each student must SUBMIT photos/scan of work completed in class sessions into Canvas 'In-Class Practice' Assignment to earn credit.

You may work in groups on the desktop whiteboards or in groups on Jamboard or a similar collaboration tool from the class iPads. During this time, students are invited and encouraged to ask questions!

Practice questions are representative of some of the most challenging problems assigned for homework (HW) each week, so ASK for HELP to get going!

Discussion CQs - in Class, approx 10 minutes on Thursdays.

Students are encouraged to break into groups around one of the Concept Questions (CQ) assigned each week in Canvas. The group has time to discuss the question among themselves.  Each student must post their perspective in an attempt to answer ONE of the assigned CQs in Canvas Discussions before 11:59 pm on Thursday. 

OUT of class:  Before 11:59 pm the following Tuesday, each student must READ ALL CQs assigned that week and POST a response to a CQ answer provided by their classmates for ONE of the remaining CQs that they, themselves did not answer the previous Thursday.  In this way, you interact with TWO of the assigned CQs each week.

Weekly HW Quiz ‒ in class, approx. 15 min 

An open note quiz will be given each week, on Thursday, consisting of 3 or 4 questions based on previous week's CQs and the HW PE due that week.  Students must upload a legible photo or scan of their quiz to Canvas.  HW quizzes are graded and returned in the COMMENTS section under the HW Quiz assignment with my comments written on the document, which I STRONGLY urge you to review each week.  File name example: “Haavig.L HW1 Quiz.pdf”. 

HW Quizzes are graded and count toward the homework grade for this course.  Please read my comments on the marked quiz which will be attached in the comments section of the HW Quiz assignment in Canvas.

I let YOU decide when to take the HW Quiz:  

• • • • In Thu Office Hour before class (then you get to leave class early), 

      • At the end of class on Thursdays (the scheduled time), 

      • After class, at a time YOU arrange to meet with me in Zoom, but NO later than the following class day;

      • or I can open access to the make-up quiz for you (YOU MUST ASK and be SPECIFIC about the Day, Date, and Time) via Canvas, although this is not preferred because I will not be available if you need clarification on a quiz question.

After Tuesday, I release the graded quizzes and will no longer allow Make-up Quizzes, except for documented circumstances beyond the student's control.

Lectures ‒ in Class approx. 90 minutes.  Live lecture time is in class, mostly on Thursdays.  I will lecture both Tue & Thu the first week. 

Students are EXPECTED to interrupt me with questions.  AND to respond when I pose a question.  Students are REWARDED for pointing out errors.  Credit for lecture participation for in-class lectures will be awarded by the instructor.  If you are physically present and mentally alert in class, there is nothing to submit.  Please alert me if on Friday if you are missing this credit in Canvas!

Absent for lecture? Need a review? Last year’s Physics 111 lectures are recorded.  Links will be provided in the weekly lecture assignments in Canvas. 

Makeup Lectures include embedded quiz questions and are a separate assignment available only by request to students who are unavoidably absent from lecture. There will be multiple video lectures for each in-class lecture section.

How to get the most out of a video lecture: Because the lectures are pre-recorded, you may view these AT ANY TIME.  I strongly recommend you choose a time of day which facilitates your maximum attention to the material. AND that you PERUSE the textbook chapter prior to viewing the lectures.  Taking notes will help most people to mentally record and retain the information for later use.

Unit Tests ‒ Two hours of class time will be allocated for each of the 3 Unit Tests, in place of a Tuesday Lab. 

Unit Tests are completed during the class session, with remaining time given over to students to use to their advantage on the assigned work for the week.  A calculator and reference sheet are required.  Students will NOT have access to any devices that connects on-line, so make sure to bring your calculator!

Students taking tests in the Testing Center or through SAS (Student Accessibility Services) must submit their reference sheet to the instructor no less than 5 business days prior to their scheduled test date, to be submitted to the testing center or SAS with the test by the instructor.  Students who fail to submit a reference sheet will NOT be permitted the use of one during the exam.

Test Corrections ‒ Students may earn back up 20% of the points missed on any Unit Test by completing test corrections for those questions.  Test corrections may be completed during any Zoom or on-campus Office hour or by appointment with the instructor (recommended).  Test Corrections is a process of relearning the material and consists of (1) a discussion of what when wrong and how to correctly work the problems missed, followed by (2) the student reworking the missed questions without assistance.  This is a time-consuming process, but has been proven to prepare students to take the final exam.

Final Exam ‒ Takes place in class during the scheduled 2 hour time for the Final Exam.  Questions on the final exam are primarily taken from questions missed by students on the Unit Tests, but also includes material from the HW Quizzes, Lectures, and CQ Discussions.  The final exam is cumulative for the entire semester of this course. 

Students requesting an early Final Exam must do so seven days prior to the date they propose to take the exam, which must be done no later than the last week of classes.  No makeups for the final exam are given after the scheduled date of the final exam.

Students taking exams in the Testing Center or through SAS (Student Accessibility Services) must submit their reference sheet to the instructor no less than 5 business days prior to their scheduled exam date, to be submitted to the testing center or SAS with the exam.  Students who fail to submit a reference sheet will NOT be permitted the use of one during the exam.

Quizzes & Tests (under construction)

This course consists of three units

Unit 1: Chapters 18, 19, 20, and 21

Static electricity, Resistance and Ohm's law, Electric Fields, Electric force, Capacitance, Simple Electric Circuits, and Electric power

Unit 2: Chapters 22, 23, 24, 25, and 26

Magnetism, and Electro-magnetic Induction, Electromagnetic waves and Optics

Unit 3: Chapters 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, and 32

Diffraction and Interference (wave optics), Special relativity, Quantum mechanics, and Atomic physics

There will be a Unit Test at the end of each unit and a cumulative final exam over material from all three units, with an emphasis on questions missed on the unit tests.

Help During Quizzes, Unit Tests, and the Final Exam:

• • Academic Integrity = Producing an honest representation of one’s own work. Help from any source other than the instructor during a Quiz, Test, or Final Exam is NOT an honest representation of your own work.

  • Your Equations Reverence Sheet IS your own work. I expect you to use this on all HW Quizzes, Unit Tests, and the Final exam.

  • During the weekly HW Quiz, please quietly come up to me or raise your hand to ask your question.   HW Quizzes are Open Note - so please use your own homework to help you do the quiz.  Also use your Equations Reference Sheet.

  • During Unit Tests, I regularly pace the room.  After checking everyone's reference sheets, I will periodically walk around the classroom.  This serves three purposes: 1) test security, 2) keeps me from falling asleep, 3) gives you the opportunity to inconspicuously flag me down to ask a question. Please quietly come up to me or raise your hand to ask your question.  I am willing to clarify my meaning in any question so that you clearly understand what is being asked.  If you feel you are missing an equation from your reference sheet, ASK, naming the equation in general terms without referring to any test question, and I will write it on the board.  I also am willing to check your algebra upon request.  IF my walking around makes you nervous, let me know ahead of time so that we can seat you in a location where I am able to avoid pacing too closely.

  • Final Exam day is very similar to the Unit Tests procedurally, except that I play the final exam music to set the mood before we begin.  

Weekly HW Quizzes:

An open note quiz will be given each week, on Thursday, based on previous CQs and the HW PE due that week.  Students must upload a legible photo or scan of their quiz to Canvas.  File name example: “Haavig.L HW1 Quiz.pdf”. All HW Quizzes this semester will be Open Note & Open Homework.  Please also use your Equations Reference sheet and your calculator.

I let YOU decide when to take the HW Quiz:

In Thu Office Hour before class (then you get to leave class early),

At the end of class on Thursdays (the scheduled time),

After class, at a time YOU arrange to meet with me in Zoom, but NO later than the following class day; or

I can open access to the make-up quiz for you (YOU MUST ASK and be SPECIFIC about the Day, Date, and Time) via Canvas, although this is not preferred because I will not be available if you need clarification on a quiz question.

Students absent from class please email me and be sure to take your makeup HW Quiz and Practice work at an Office Hour prior to the next class meeting or as soon as you are recovered and able.

Unit Tests:

Missed tests are not excused.  Dates for the tests will be announced in class no less than one class meeting before the date of each test and posted on Canvas.  Any student who is unable to take a unit test as scheduled needs to contact me at the earliest opportunity.  Students with extenuating circumstances please arrange with me in advance of the test to take the test in an alternate date/time.  Email sent prior to 6:00 pm on day of the Unit test is in advance of the test.

Unit Test Days:  See lessons schedule ‒ replaces regular Tuesday lab meeting.

Final Exam: 

The final exam is cumulative for the entire semester of this course.  The Final Exam for Physics 112 will be taken  during Final’s Week, according to the date assigned by the college, Thursday, May 25 from 6:00 - 8:00 pm.  Makeup Finals are scheduled to occur the last week of classes BEFORE finals. 

Please notify me (Lhaavig@miracosta.edu) at least 7 days prior to the date you propose to take the exam if you need to arrange to take the final exam early.

Student Support (under construction)

Student Services Website

Student Guide (the one-stop shop for everything so you can focus on learning)

Free Groceries for MiraCosta Students

At the MiraCosta College Food Pantry, we aim to serve all enrolled credit and noncredit students, including those that attend early morning classes and/or evening classes. We do this by providing on-campus access to food resources at all three of our campuses and by hosting on-campus "Care Free Food & Resource Market" providing free groceries to students twice each month.

MiraCosta College Food Pantry Website

CARE Free Food & Resource Market = Free Food for Students

 

A free monthly food distribution program known as “CARE Free Food & Resource Market," provides produce and dry goods to all enrolled MiraCosta students (show your Spartan pass or Student ID number).

Oceanside Campus,  OC3000 Student Services Patio (In Between Building 3300 & 3000) 2nd Tuesdays
1/31, 3/7, 4/11, & 5/9 from 1 -  2 pm

Community Learning Center, near Bldg. 300
1831 Mission Ave, Oceanside, 3rd Wednesdays
2/15, 3/15, 4/19, & 5/17 from 1 - 2 pm

Campus Food Pantry Locations

Oceanside Campus
Building 3400, Room 3306 (Service Learning and Volunteer Center)
760.757.2121 x2200
Oceanside Campus Hours

Community Learning Center
Building 300, Room 327
760.795.8710
Community Learning Center Hours

San Elijo Campus Student Center
Building 900 (Student Gathering Space), Room 934
760.944.4449 x7475
San Elijo Campus Hours

 

Student Support Services, Academic & Emotional Counselling, Student Accessibility Services:

Get the help you need, when you need it, the semester goes to fast to go it alone!

Student Support Services Web Hub

Student support services are available at zero cost including health services and personal counseling, academic counseling, food pantry, emergency grants, and veterans’ services.

Student Support Guide S2023.pdf (print version)

On-line, Updated link, to Student Support Guide pdf

Student Transportation Assistance

SAS (Student Accessibility Services):

If you have a specialized learning need, disability, or medical condition impacting learning and have not yet been authorized to receive academic accommodations, you are strongly encouraged to contact the friendly and helpful people at Student Accessibility Services (SAS) office at (760) 795-6658, or sas@miracosta.edu.

Please contact me as soon as possible to request my assistance utilizing any authorized accommodations.

Counseling Resources:

Academic Counselling and Career Counselling

Emotional Counselling sessions are free of charge.

As a student in these challenging times, there may be times when personal stressors interfere with your academic performance and/or negatively impact your daily life. MiraCosta College Health Services offers free personal counseling sessions.  

For a session, call 760-795-6675 or visit the Health Services website https://www.miracosta.edu/student-services/health-services/index.html. There is no additional fee for these sessions for students enrolled in credit classes, and the content of the sessions is confidential.  

Crisis Hotline:

In a crisis situation, or after hours, call Campus Police at 760-795-6640 or 6911 from an on-campus phone, local police at 911, or The Up2SD Crisis Line at 888-724-7240, or text the word “COURAGE” to the crisis text line at 741741.

Adds, Drops, & Withdrawls (under construction)

Last day to ADD/DROP is Friday, Feb. 3, 2023.

Add Codes:

Add codes expire.  Students who fail to use the code promptly to add themselves to the class may not be permitted to attend the next class meeting.  Space will then be given to the next student on the wait list.  Contact me immediately if the add code does not work. 

Absences:

Students who are unavoidably absent should email instructor prior to or as close to the absence as possible and arrange to make up the missed In-Class assignments or Lab.

Students who miss any of the first four zoom class meetings without contacting me by email will be dropped from the class.  Students who miss three consecutive class days or four non-consecutive classes may be overextended and in danger of not passing and should have a conversation with me about your options, especially if you are considering withdrawing.

Withdraw Deadline: Thursday 4/27/2023

Last day to drop with a “W” grade is 4/27/2023.  The maximum number of enrollments for regular courses is THREE.  All grades, including withdrawals (W), are included in the count.
I DO NOT withdraw students.  YOU MUST WITHDRAW YOURSELF on SURF.

Grading (under construction)

Letter Grades: 

Letter Grades: 

Scores are rounded to the nearest 0.1%.  For example, to earn an A in this course, you must have a total grade score equal to 89.95 or higher.

A      90.0% - 100%

B     80.0% - 89.9%

C     70.0% – 79.9%

D     60.0% – 69.9%

F     ≤ 59.9%

 

20% HW – Homework (HW) Grade includes weekly Concept Question (CQ) Discussions in Canvas are 5%, weekly Problem Sets and Study Guides are 9%, and weekly homework Quizzes are 6%.  ONE lowest CQ Discussion score and ONE lowest HW Quiz scores will be dropped.

25% Labs – Lab grade will be a based upon your twelve Group Lab Reports (75 points each) and the Practice Fun Lab (15 points) on the FIRST DAY OF CLASS.  Students who are unable to complete the lab with their assigned group may complete the lab on their own as a Makeup Lab, on an individual lab Google Doc.  Students not present for more than 10 minutes of any lab will receive 0 points for the portion of the lab they missed, and will be required to complete the missed portion of the lab on their own at the end of the class time on the same lab date, to earn back the points deducted for the missed portion of the lab.  All students must be present at the same time and making entries in the Group Lab Google doc as proof of their active group lab participation.  Labs not completed during group lab class time require instructor OK to complete outside of class.  See me before you leave class.

If it is not possible to complete the portion of the lab missed due to lateness to class, the student must arrange a lab makeup date with the instructor to complete the work or take a 0 for the portion of the lab missed.

ALL labs count toward the final course grade.  NO lab grades are dropped.
I allow each student to submit up to two lab re-writes at the end of the semester.

25% Unit Tests ‒ Three Unit Tests will be given to assess student mastery in addition to the final exam.  Tests will be a mixture of free response problems, short answer questions, and multiple choice.  The Tests will be given in class on the scheduled test date and MUST be completed during this time.  Students unable to attend on the date of the Unit test due to verifiable circumstances outside of the student's control MUST alert the instructor before or on the day of the test and arrange to take a makeup test, which must be completed either prior to the scheduled test date or within 7 calendar days of the test date.  ALL tests count toward the final course grade. NO Test grades are dropped.

Test corrections (only for Unit Tests) must be initiated during office hours and can earn up to 20% of points missed.

A maximum of 6 Extra Credit points in the Unit Test grade category will be earned by students attending any office hour within the first eight weeks of the semester as follows: 4 points EC for one or more office hours attended in weeks 1 - 4 of class; 2 points EC for one or more office hours attended in weeks 4 - 8.  Attendance is qualified for simply by showing up and saying, "I'm here for the extra credit."

20% Final Exam – Cumulative for entire semester.  Taken during Finals Week 5/22 ‒ 5/26, in class on the scheduled date and at the scheduled time for a 6 pm Tu/Th class according to the Spring 2023 Final Exam Schedule; which for our class is Thursday, May 25, 6:00 - 8:00 pm.

Students wanting to take the final exam early need to make this arrangement with the instructor one week before the date they propose to take the exam. 

NO Makeup for the Final Exam will be permitted.  Students with verifiable cause outside of their control who miss the final exam should request an Incomplete Grade as soon as possible (and before course grades are due) and work with the instructor to file the necessary paperwork.  Together we will create a contract for Completion, which will necessarily include a makeup for the final exam, and any other work missed related to the extenuating circumstances.

10% Lectures & In-Class Work  –  Students should attend and actively participate in every class.  Attending in-person classes, you earn this credit by completing activities including interactive participation during lectures, practice problems, group work, and HW quizzes.  Students with an approved absence may earn alternative Lecture & In-Class Work credit by viewing & answering questions in pre-recorded lectures and completing practice work and quizzes during regular or specially scheduled office hours on-campus or via Zoom.  For access to makeup lectures with embedded questions, please email me (Lhaavig@miracosta.edu) as soon as you know you will be absent.
Lecture Credit is 6% and Work submitted from the In-class Practice Sessions is 4% of your course grade.   {Because I do not record lecture attendance after the first 2 weeks, your credit for participating in the lecture is dependent on you submitting the In-Class practice problems in Canvas.}
In-Class Practice work must be submitted in Canvas.

Pass/No Pass Grading Option

You have the option to choose Pass/No Pass grading for this class. If you choose this option, you must submit a Petition for Pass/No Pass to Admissions & Records by 5/26/2023. This option for grading is nonreversible once selected.

Legibility:  If I can’t read it, it’s wrong. 

If your handwriting is illegible, please type your work.  Problems must be worked out neatly in two column format (like how I do the example problems) with answers boxed or highlighted.  Answers missing units will be marked wrong.  This applies to homework, quizzes, tests, and the final exam.  Illegible and low-contrast work submitted to Canvas temporarily earns a 0, and I will request in Assignment COMMENTS that you resubmit the illegible pages.  The 0 will be replaced with an actual grade after you resubmit a legible copy of your work.

Labeling: 

Please lead every submitted file name with your Last name and first initial.  Example: “Haavig.L HW1.pdf”.  If submitting multiple files for a single assignment, include ‘page of total’ at the end of the file name, such as, “Haavig.L HW1 p1 of 6.jpg”.  Include First name or initial and full Last Name on all documents you submit, including homework, test documents, quizzes, and in-class Practice. Please, please, please  leave  blank  space  within submitted documents along the left margins and at the top of the first page for me to write grade information. 
All names must appear on group work to receive credit.

Labs (under construction)

Physics 112 Lab Manual

The Lab Manual consists of twelve individual lab documents.  Links to Group lab Google docs will be emailed to students each week.  The lab documents may also be accessed in Canvas, for reading before lab meetings, in the weekly Modules and under Assignments>Labs.  An on-line version of a lab may be assigned by the instructor for a individual makeup lab, for which access to the appropriate Lab Google doc will be emailed to that student.

Labs are group projects in Physics 112. 

Science is rarely done these days by individual investigators working in isolation.  Most professions also require you to have the skills necessary to complete projects in cooperation with others, so one of the learning goals of this course is learning to work cooperatively.

I understand that doing group work is a challenge for many people.  I will work with you to help you grow in that skill area while doing what I can to mitigate any of the problems that can result during group work. 

Please do not hesitate to ask for help during lab.  Come and get me!  Listening to my advice to another lab group as you wait for my attention might prove helpful to your group.  You may ask our technical expert, Larry Hernandez, if he is present, for help with the lab equipment and software.  If you have a question on the wording of a lab or what is expected, you will have to ask me.

NO Lab Hogs (you know who you are, please work to restrain yourself)

Respectful behavior, patience, and a willingness to listen to all ideas is key to successful group work.  Even the least experienced person has a valuable perspective and is likely to observe important details more experienced people miss.  Also important is the recognition that lab experiments are learning exercises.  Each group member must be an active contributor in order to experience that learning which is supposed to take place.

NO Wall Flowers (get out there and dance, even if you think you don't know how)

Lab experiments are learning exercises.  Everyone, even you, has something valuable to contribute.  Please set aside anything that will distract you from fully participating.  Be bold!  Your lab partners may act like they know everything, but in reality, they desperately need to hear your unique perspective.

Active Student Participation & Work Completion

Late & Makeup Work (under construction)

On time Work:

This course is intentionally designed to provide a spiral of introduction, cognition, guided practice, independent practice, and review to assist learning of course material and achieving the learning outcomes.  Doing the assigned work on schedule keeps all of that on-track.

MOST of your graded work is submitted in Canvas.  Exit Canvas and go back-in to check that your work uploaded into Canvas correctly.  Don't trust the app.  Check it!

Life happens!

Because life happens at inconvenient times, we don't always meet those on-time goals.  SO, let me know!  I can extend a deadline here and there, as needed, and together we can keep you from falling too far behind.

CQ Discussions (Concept Question Discussions):

Because the discussions are an essentially group activity, they MUST be done on-time, so I can't extend the due date.  For documented extenuating circumstances, I can excuse a CQ Discussion.

Lectures:

There is actually no late penalty on lectures, if you are in class for the lecture time, you get credit.  HOWEVER, I need you to submit your In-Class Practice work each lecture day.  Because I don't call roll each day, I use your upload of work completed in class to verify lecture participation.
I will input your lecture credit before noon on Fridays, so if you check Friday afternoon and have a 0 or nothing is entered, please alert me via email (Lhaavig@miracosta.edu) or Canvas Inbox and I'll correct the omission. 

Students who are absent will be assigned multiple video lectures with embedded questions in place of the weekly Lecture assignment.  These lectures are due on the Tuesday of the following week and you must submit the quiz at the end of each recorded lecture to earn credit.  Although there is no late penalty for lectures, lectures are the second circle of the learning spiral (even more essential if you do not read/work through the text thoroughly) and are designed to precede the homework.  A day or two late, not a problem, but don't let it go more than one week.

HW PE (Homework Problems and Exercises):

Homework problems should, ideally, be started Friday morning and worked a few problems in a sitting over several days.  Email me if you struggle for 10 minutes with a problem and move on to the next one.  Just remember to go back and do that one when you get my answer to your inquiry.  HW must be submitted into Canvas to receive credit.  I suggest submitting your work as soon as you finish it.  Incomplete?  Submit the portion completed on time and the rest as soon as it's done for maximum credit.

Late policy is -10% per class day late.  However, if you experience unusual or extenuating circumstances, let me know.  I have no problem extending the due date for students who are actively working with me to get the work caught up.

HW Quizzes (Homework Quizzes): 

Don't neglect to submit a photo of your completed HW Quiz into Canvas!

 

REALLY bad week?  Not ready for the quiz?  Students may arrange with me to take any HW Quiz in office hours prior to the next class meeting.  This makeup HW Quiz opportunity is to be used for unusually circumstances, NOT every week.  Makeup quizzes will earn full credit ONLY if taken before the Unit Test Review.

In-Class Practice:

Designed to help you with the homework, so best if completed before you start (or at least before you get to the tough problems mimicked in the group practice).  No late penalty.  I am happy to work with you in office hours or you can do the problems on your own or with a STEM center tutor.  Remember to submit a photo or scan of your work into Canvas!

Labs:

ALL labs count toward your course grade (none are dropped).  Students who are unavoidably absent may makeup up to two labs by completing the on-line version, which I will provide to you when you email me about being absent.  Like our regular lab documents, these are Google docs.  Makeup labs should be completed within one week of the missed lab date.  Email me if you need to make special arrangements, like completing the lab in office hours or if you need more than one week to finish.

Tardy to lab?  PLAN to stay late! You will have to complete the missed section of the lab on your own, DURING that same class, but after your lab partners leave.  As this may require equipment access, plan to stay late that day to do so.  If necessary, I will arrange with you an alternate day and time on which to complete your partial lab.

Unit Tests:

Any student who is unable to take a Unit Test as scheduled needs to contact me at the earliest opportunity.  Students with extenuating circumstances please arrange with me in advance of the test to take the test in an alternate setting.  Email sent prior to 6:00 pm on the day of the Unit Test is in advance of the test.  Documentation validating the absence excuse will likely be required for making up a Unit Test.

Final Exam: 

No such thing as a late final exam (unless you request to take the course Incomplete before the May 18, 2022 deadline*).  Makeup Finals are taken during the last week of classes BEFORE finals, and scheduled with me at least 7 days prior to the date you want to take the test.  Please notify me (Lhaavig@miracosta.edu) on or before May 12 if you need to arrange to take the final exam early.

*Students seeking a grade of Incomplete must consult with me no later than Thursday, May. 18, 2023.  A grade of Incomplete will only be considered for unforeseeable, emergency and justifiable reasons at the end of the term, and only upon written agreement of conditions for completing coursework.

Absences:

Students who are unavoidably absent should email me (Lhaavig@miracosta.edu)  prior to or as close to the absence as possible and arrange to make up the missed Lectures, In-Class assignments, or Lab. 

See information above for Homework, Labs, Quizzes & Unit Tests.  Documentation validating the absence excuse will likely be required for making up a Unit Test.

Instructor & Student Minutes

 Instructor:  Ms. Lisa Haavig  

Student Minutes Zoom Link: https://miracosta-edu.zoom.us/j/4071676081

email: Lhaavig@miracosta.edu

The most reliable way to contact me for time-sensitive issues is direct email.  Check your "sent" file to make sure your message isn't accidently left sitting in a "drafts" folder.  Canvas Inbox also works (most of the time).
Response time:  If I have not replied to your email within 10 hours, I did not receive it.  Check the email address and resend it. 
Please always sign your email with your NAME at the end of your message.

 Student Minutes: 

Tutoring (physics, math, MCAT) homework help, private consult, general chat, extra credit

In Person:  TUESDAYS  5:10 - 5:40 pm at Oceanside Campus room OC 4529 (next-door) 
Allow 15 minutes or more for a makeup HW Quiz.

ZOOM: WEDNESDAYS  8:00 - 8:30 pm 

Arrive within any ½ hour Zoom Drop-in time, and I will work with you up to 30 min or more. 
Student Minutes Zoom Link: https://miracosta-edu.zoom.us/j/4071676081

By Request:  Can't make the regularly scheduled hours this week?  No problem.  Email me a day & time YOU can meet with me via Zoom!   
I am typically available 7:30 am - 5 pm Mon, Wed, Fri, and Sat, and Sunday afternoons.  Evenings (8 - 9 pm) are possible too

Student Minutes Extra Credit (EC)

Just pop in and say, "I'm here for the extra credit," at ANY one Drop-in Office hour to earn 4 pts in first 4 weeks (1/23 - Sat 2/17) of class,
PLUS 2 pts if you drop in during weeks 4 - 8 (2/18 - Sat 3/16).  This EC counts toward your Unit Test grade. Maximum of 6 EC points per student.

Canvas:

Set your Notifications Preference in Canvas to receive Announcements and Assignment Comments.  How to set Notifications

Use inbox for secure email to me and to your classmates.  Almost as fast as direct email.

Full Zoom Student Minutes Invitation:

Join Zoom Meeting
https://miracosta-edu.zoom.us/j/4071676081

Meeting ID: 407 167 6081
One tap mobile
+16699006833,,4071676081# US (San Jose)
+13462487799,,4071676081# US (Houston)

Dial by your location
        +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)
        +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
        +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)
        +1 929 205 6099 US (New York)
        +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)
        +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
Meeting ID: 407 167 6081

Join by Skype for Business
https://miracosta-edu.zoom.us/skype/4071676081

Map to In-Person Student Minutes on Oceanside Campus:  Room OC4529